The letter highlights the RCN's concerns about the ‘dilution of fair employment practices and workers’ rights’ and ‘cross-border exchange of knowledge, research and skills’.

RCN council chair Maria Trewern wrote: ‘As the debate across our membership has made clear, the implications of Brexit for the health and care system will be numerous.

Fears about risks to health

‘There are risks that, if not credibly addressed, may damage population health, as well as severely impact on our members’ ability to provide safe and effective care for their patients in both the short and the long term.

‘We have written to all political parties in these terms, as well as publicly shared the content of this letter. This is the next step in our campaigning activity in this area, which will expand in the months to come.’

Preparing for no deal

A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said: ‘We are preparing for all situations, including a no-deal Brexit, and we have worked closely with partners to draw up contingency plans that will ensure patients continue to receive care in exactly the same way they do now.’